Ted Soliday, executive director of Naples Municipal Airport, and Ernest Linneman, City of Naples Airport Authority board member, met with three representatives of JetBlue in New York City Monday, Oct. 8, to discuss the airline's interest in serving the Naples market.

In June, JetBlue expressed interest in serving Naples with nonstop, low-fare service from several New York airports. However, JetBlue's aircraft would exceed the airport's 75,000-pound weight limit; and the commercial service terminal's existing facilities would have to be expanded to accommodate them. Naples Municipal Airport last had commercial airline service in 2007.

During its Sept. 20 meeting, Airport Authority commissioners learned the Federal Aviation Administration has a process in place that could permit a limited number of heavier planes to land on the runway. However, heavier aircraft may compromise the lifespan of the airport's infrastructure. In addition, the environmental impact of JetBlue flights must be evaluated and considered.

Although invited, JetBlue will not attend the Airport Authority's Oct. 18 meeting. Airport staff and the airline will continue their research and information sharing.

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